Sexy Games

Sexy Games by Madeline Oh
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short
Other: M/F, BDSM
Rating: 4.5 Cherries
Review by Hibiscus

An appetizer to die for…

It looked like being a boring party, but a tall, dark haired, sexy man changed all that. Accepting his suggestion that they skip out on the assembled company, Jenny agrees, for a evening of spectacular sex. But Basil Wallace wants more than a one-night stand. He plans on tying Jenny down -- in more ways than one.

Jenny Everly has been friends with Tom Baldwin their entire lives. Their parents have even planned their wedding and children. Unfortunately Jenny and Tom just do not click. They tried earlier in their lives to be a couple but Tom loves to be spanked and Jenny just isn't into delivering it. I can understand Jenny's point of view as not everyone is into delivering and prefer to receive or not into spanking at all.

Tom's parents have a fortieth wedding anniversary and Jenny meets up with Tom, a famous actor now, and his friend Basil Wallace. Jenny is quite taken with Basil but fears that he, like Tom, prefers receiving spanks. There are many very candid conversations about preferences and before long, Jenny and Basil disappear from the party for a little while.

Basil is the proper English gentleman on the outside but a sexy, dominant man with a few kinks on the inside. I enjoyed how Basil slowly acclimated Jenny to what he liked. I loved how I felt like I was there with Basil and Jenny the entire book.

Sexy Games is a seriously hot story that is descriptive enough that anyone could play the games along with Jenny and Baz. I can't wait for the next sizzling story in Ms. Oh's Games Series.

Cuff Me Lacy

Cuff Me Lacy by Demi Alex
Publisher: Resplendence Publishing
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short
Other: M/F
Rating: 5 Cherries
Review by Lilac

Three months is way too long to wait for some simple, low-down, straight forward sex. It’s not like Officer Chrissie Hansen is asking for prince charming to offer her the love of a lifetime. All she wants is a good orgasm that she doesn’t have to work for alone.

At least with "the Bull", she knows what to expect. But when Patrick MacKlick returns to her life and tempts her with new options, she discovers that lace can imprison a heart better than handcuffs can.

Officer Chrissie Hansen has not had sex for over three months. When her ex, Bill the Bull, returns to town she thinks her drought just might be over as they make plans to get together. But the return of her longtime friend, Patrick MacKlick throws a kink into her plan and distracts her. Time has changed both Chrissie and Patrick and suddenly Chrissie sees her best friend in a whole new light. However, this budding attraction could affect her relationship with Bill.

Cuff Me Lacy was a well-written and steamy read with characters I really liked. I especially loved the characters of Chrissie and Patrick, the main characters of the story, and enjoyed watching their relationship grow and change. Chrissie is a strong character and with the return of both Bill and Patrick, she faces a dilemma as she realizes what she thought she wanted might not be what she needs. The author did a great job of making Chrissie’s dilemma and how she handled it believable. The reactions of both Bill and Patrick were also well-done and believable and I could easily understand the difficulty of Chrissie’s choice as both men were great characters.

Cuff Me Lacy is a fun and quick read that I would definitely recommend.

Submissive Games

Submissive Games by Madeline Oh
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short
Other: M/F, BDSM
Rating: 4.5 Cherries
Review by Hibiscus

Tom Baldwin is a successful actor, a national heartthrob, a sex symbol -- and a sexual submissive. Claudine Wallace is a professional Dominatrix with a client list of politicians, captains of industry and one well-known actor.

A purely professional relationship.

Claudine accepts Tom's invitation to a weekend in France, in her professional capacity, and plans a weekend of sex games and bondage. Even if they'd both secretly wish for something more from their relationship, there are rules. Lines client and Dominatrix never cross.

Tom's about to break all the rules… no matter what the cost.

Submissive Games is not a book for the faint of heart. It is an intense look at the sex life of Tom Baldwin, a submissive and his Dominatrix, Claudine Wallace. Yes, there is a good story of their nine month relationship and the yearnings that they have developed over the course of this time period but this story has very graphic details of the games that they play.

Tom is a rich, successful, actor. He has woman dropping at his feet and into his bed. Unfortunately, they just don't do it for him. Tom sought out a very discreet Dominatrix who runs a real spa with a playhouse above it. I could feel the love Tom had for Claudine was more than just his physical release. When Tom asked her to join him at his home in France, I held my breath waiting for Claudine's answer.

Claudine Wallace is a take charge woman. I felt that she needed to be in control at all times and was afraid to give in an inch. The way she spoke to Tom gave me the impression that he was her favorite submissive. Her caresses made me believe that she wanted more with Tom but there are rules to the game and lines she would never cross.

Or would they?

This is definitely one very hot, sexy read in Ms. Oh's Games Series. The sexual relationship between Tom and Claudine really heated me up. I would recommend reading not only Submissive Games, but if you enjoyed it, all the very hot Games books.

My Immortal

My Immortal by J. K. Coi
Publisher: Linden Bay Publishing
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Full
Other: M/F
Rating: 5 Cherries
Review by Lilac

Evil lurks in the darkest of shadows, but a band of warriors stands ready to defend humanity against hell’s own monsters—Immortal men hand-picked by destiny and taken out of time hold the fate of the world in their hands.

One of the oldest of his kind, Immortal warrior Rhys Morgan spends his nights on the streets of Chandler protecting the city’s innocents from the demons that hunt them. Unyielding in purpose and uncompromising in battle, Rhys thought he’d never meet his match, until he met Amy Bennett.

Rash and impetuous, Amy dashes into a fight, taking Rhys by surprise. He can’t decide whether she’s incredibly brave or incredibly stupid. But when the fight is over and Rhys is unable to get the beautiful human out of his head or his dreams, he knows his life is about to get complicated.

The barriers between the unlikely pair may be as thick and strong as the evil that threatens them, but some things can’t be denied…and dark, mysterious, sexy Rhys Morgan is one of them.

Immortal warrior Rhys Morgan spends his nights fighting demons and protecting innocents. Since the death of his partner and fellow Immortal, Rhys has been determined to find the demon responsible. But lately Rhys has been distracted by dreams he is having of a mystery woman named Amy, a woman he has never met until one fateful night in an alley.

On her way home from work, upon hearing a scuffle in an alley, Amy Bennett charges in hoping to be of some assistance. She could never have anticipated what she would discover as she encounters Rhys and a fellow immortal engaged in battle with a demon. Intrigued by Rhys, Amy soon finds herself longing to learn more about what she saw and his world.

With Amy, Rhys has finally met his match and a new battle begins as they try to fight their attraction to one another. In the meantime, an evil force is seeking to destroy the Immortals. Rhys, along with some help from some surprising and interesting sources, is determined to fight it.

With My Immortal, author J.K. Coi has created a fascinating and complicated world filled with demons, immortals, and more.

In this story, the vivid descriptions used by the author helped me to envision not only events but also the author’s take on a contemporary setting with a bit of a paranormal twist. I especially enjoyed the action scenes of the story as I could easily picture each fight scene as though I were there.

The characters also helped to bring the story to life for me. I was intrigued by Rhys and his fellow Immortals as well as by the heroine, Amy. I enjoyed learning about the characters and their world. I also found watching the relationship between Rhys and Amy develop fascinating. Both were strong individuals who butted heads many times, but the chemistry between them was obvious as the sparks flew. The connection between them was undeniable and Rhys was determined to protect Amy from his world and life and she was just as determined not to listen.

The interactions between all of the characters were very well-done and I enjoyed the banter and sarcasm that existed between not only Rhys and Amy, but between them and the other characters of the story as well.

While reading My Immortal, I became lost in the story and the world created by Ms. Coi and didn’t want it to end. I enjoyed each and every twist-and-turn and watching as the story and characters grew and changed. There is so much more that I could say about this great story as it was filled with many surprising developments and characters as well as a complex plot. I will say that My Immortal was a wonderful start to a series featuring the Immortals. Since I was definitely intrigued by many of the other characters in the story, I look forward to reading more in the series and finding out what happens next.

Summer Love

Summer Love by Rusty Wicks
Publisher: Whiskey Creek Torrid
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full Anthology
Other: M/F
Rating: 3 Cherries
Review by Lilac

Is there anything better than some hot, steamy love—summer-style? It certainly doesn’t seem that way for two lucky couples.

When Brenna wakes up on a Nude Beach she’s treated to an eyeful of naked, sexy man candy. Lucky for her there’s a personality behind Brock’s—ahem—assets and the pair spends an amazing day together in Summer Delight.

Finn and Ina rekindle an old relationship while they complete a covert diving mission for the government. Can politics and passion mix on the rolling deck of a small boat? And, more importantly, will the couple be able to keep love going even after their feet touch land? Those are only some of the questions that need to be answered when Finn and Ina explore Hidden Depths.

Summer Love is a quick read featuring two short novellas that are very different and interesting.

In “Summer Delight,” Brenna awakens on a nude beach to find a very attractive and very naked man standing over her. As the Brenna and Brock get to know each other and spend the day on the beach together, they engage in some very sizzling activities.

Of the two stories in Summer Love, this was definitely the stronger of the two and what made the book enjoyable for me. I enjoyed the characters and their chemistry as well as the humor of the story. The story got off to a strong start, however, a twist at the end left me hanging. The ending was very abrupt and I felt there could have been more of an explanation made to tie up loose ends. But despite this, it was a very good little story.

In the second story of the book, “Hidden Depths,” Ina is reunited with her old flame Finn as they go on a covert diving expedition for the government. Finn is very secretive about the dive and why he disappeared on Ina in the past. And as the two spend time together on his boat they rekindle their relationship and explore each other as well as exploring the bottom of the sea.

“Hidden Depths” is a very hot and sexy read, but at times it felt a bit rushed. Although I enjoyed the idea of the story, I wish a little more detail had been added to the plot in regards to their mission for the government. Finn and Ina shared a great chemistry and their scenes definitely sizzled, but I longed to know more about each of them and what happened once their dive was complete.

Overall, I would say that Summer Love is a quick and sexy read for those looking for a bit of an escape.

Pirate's Booty

Pirate's Booty by Teresa Noelle Roberts
Publisher: Phaze Books
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short
Other: M/F, BDSM
Rating: 4.5 Cherries
Review by Lilac

Holed up in a rented cottage to immerse herself in the fictional romantic exploits of her characters Matthew and Abby, Elizabeth is ill-prepared for a blizzard that knocks out power and isolates the island from the mainland. Her gorgeous neighbor Lucius comes to the rescue, even though their earlier sexy close encounter on the winter beach was spoiled by a ridiculous argument about fictional versus real pirates. Trapped in Lucius' house by the storm, though, they discover shared passion for a few subjects other than local history…

An erotic romance author, Elizabeth McGill has come to Block Island to work on her latest romance, an erotic historical featuring a pirate named Matthew and his childhood sweetheart Abby. As she works on the story she becomes immersed in their tale. Elizabeth also becomes fascinated by her handsome neighbor, Lucius. Ill prepared for the harsh winter of the island, Elizabeth soon finds herself snowed in and when Lucius comes to her rescue, finishing her story is the last thing on her mind.

I really enjoyed Pirate’s Booty and it interesting concept as we got to read about two couples. We get to read snippets of Elizabeth’s work-in-progress featuring Matthew and Abby as well as see her relationship with Lucius develop as the story switches back-and-forth between the two romances. Both Elizabeth’s work-in-progress and her relationship with Lucius sizzle as the chemistry between the respective couples is very hot. Each couple’s sex scenes are filled with passion and lust.

The fact that the heroine is an author added an interesting element to the story as did using her fictional work-in-progress. I thought it was interesting to see how Elizabeth’s real-life and fantasies were mirrored in her fictional story. She even thinks about the book as she is kissing Lucius and uses elements of Lucius in her hero.

But as much as I enjoyed reading the fictional work-in-progress woven throughout the story, my favorite scenes were between Elizabeth and Lucius. I enjoyed watching as they discussed their work and common interests and developed a relationship with one another. Lucius’s skepticism and anger once he discovers Elizabeth’s purpose for being on the island was interesting and I enjoyed how Elizabeth explained romances and the amount of research she has to do. The passion between the two definitely heats up the pages.

Although there were a few things left unanswered, and I would have loved to know more about what happened to both couples, Pirate's Booty was a quick, enjoyable read that I was sad to see end.

Heroes of Silver Springs 2: Twin Games

Heroes of Silver Springs 2: Twin Games by Tonya Ramagos
Publisher: Siren Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full
Other: M/F, M/F/M, BDSM, Ménage
Rating: 4.5 Cherries
Review by Lilac

Angelina Keaton inherits the Keaton Municipal Airport and someone doesn't like it, but fires and tampered airplanes aren't enough to make her sell the family business.

But she can't save the airport without help. She finds that help and a whole lot more in the Graham brothers.

Firefighter Jason Graham loves games. One look at Angelina and he knows he's found the perfect playmate. But someone is playing a different game with Angelina and it's turning deadly. Jason is no investigator but his twin brother is. Who better to call in on a mystery than an FBI Agent?

Put FBI Agent Jackson Graham in the middle of a case and he's in his element. Not one for games, he prefers the direct approach and straightforward solutions. But when he finds himself in the middle of a game between his brother and Angelina, he decides playing along just this once could be fun.

Shortly after Angelina Keaton inherits the Keaton Municipal Airport from her beloved uncle, she begins receiving mysterious envelopes from someone out to sabotage her. Soon a series of mysterious mishaps begin to occur including thefts, fires, and more. But Angelina is determined not to fail or to sell her new business no matter what the cost.

Firefighter Jason Graham is intrigued by Angelina when he encounters her in a sex store and longs to play a few sexual games with her. He soon finds himself engaged a game of seduction and steamy sex with the beauty.

Meanwhile, Jason’s twin, FBI Agent Jackson Graham has been been called in to investigate the series of events at the airport. Soon a case of mistaken identity leads to a night of passion and fun for Jackson, Jason, and Angelina.

But when the threats to Angelina’s life and the airport begin to escalate, Jason is not sure he can handle losing her and longs to protect his new playmate.

Twin Games is a hot story full of suspense and steamy sex that had me reaching for a fan. The chemistry between Jason and Angelina is instant and I enjoyed watching as their relationship developed. Jason was a great hero determined to protect Angelina, but she is very much an independent woman so giving up control to Jason is difficult for her. I thought the use of sexual games between them was well-done and I enjoyed how the author helped them build trust through the games.

In addition to Jason and Angelina, Jackson was also a great character. He was charming and, to me, felt a little inexperienced and unsure of himself despite his outer appearance of strength and sexuality. I found his insecurities a nice contrast to Jason’s confidence, but believe his encounter with Jason and Angelina helped build his confidence. I would love to know a bit more about him and what happens beyond the end because even though there is a scene between Jason, Angelina, and Jackson, this story is definitely Jason and Angelina’s. The three don’t share a full-blown ménage relationship.

As for the suspense and mystery of the plot, I enjoyed that aspect of the story as well. I was intrigued by the mystery and looked forward to watching the events unfold. However, I must say that the conclusion to the mystery felt a little rushed to me as it seemed to wrap up rather quickly. But despite this, I did enjoy the twists and surprises that were revealed as it concluded.

As with the first book in the Heroes of Silver Springs series, we once again meet Tripp and Bailey, two of Jason’s fellow firefighters. I loved this secondary storyline and often found myself more intrigued by this couple than by the main characters of the story. In my opinion, their story almost overshadowed that of Angelina and Jason and I became emotionally invested in Tripp and Bailey’s story. Their story helped make this book stronger.

Overall, Twin Games is a good read filled with fascinating characters and an intriguing mystery.

The Trouble With Destiny

The Trouble With Destiny by J. K. Coi
Publisher: Linden Bay Romance
Genre: Action/Adventure, Paranormal
Length: Full
Other: M/F
Rating: 4.5 Cherries
Review by Cholla

Mild-mannered Sarah McInnes just wants to be left alone. She’s looking forward to finishing graduate school and then working a nice, normal nine-to-five job as an accountant. But when fate interferes with her carefully laid plans in the form of the mysterious and sexy Dorian, her life takes an unexpected detour.

Dorian is a take-no-prisoners kind of guy. For him, duty comes first. So when he intervenes one night to save Sarah from the murderous hands of a daemon and discovers she has the innate ability to fight them, he of course steps in and offers to train her. Daemons notwithstanding, the job would be much easier and their relationship less complicated if Dorian didn’t also happen to be the hottest thing this side of hell.

Now instead of spending her nights in the library Sarah spends them with Dorian, keeping the city safe from monsters and sending them back where they belong. Whether she wants to or not, Sarah has to face the facts: daemons exist, she possesses the power to kill them, and she may never make it to Calculus on time again.

That’s the Trouble with Destiny...

An ordinary girl stuck in an extraordinary situation. In addition to dueling with daemons, she has to duel with her growing attraction to her handler, Dorian. When he finally admits to having similar feelings, all hell breaks loose. Literally.

The Trouble With Destiny is a lighthearted yet steamy urban fantasy packed full of action, fun and lots of laughs. Sarah is a great character, both resigned and ready to confront her destiny as a slayer of daemons. Dorian is a stodgy half-daemon with a heart of gold and a quick wit. His stoic demeanor pleasantly balances out Sarah’s hectic manner of thinking and acting, they make quite the exciting couple. And when they’re alone, the sparks sure fly! An all around engaging and enjoyable story.

Political Expediency

Political Expediency by Mikala Ash
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Paranormal
Length: Short
Other: M/F, M/F/M, Ménage, Multiple Partners
Rating: 3 Cherries
Review by Anthurium

In a landslide election, engineered by political mover and shaker Catriona Molyneux, Serena Plim becomes Australia's first female Prime Minister. Of course, the electorate doesn't know she's a werewolf.

The rise to power has not been without cost and Serena has sacrificed much. Her glorious ménage with Jack Wolfe and Kelvin Waters is broken.

Apart from keeping a thriving democracy going and battling global warming, she has to contend with the Wolfen Council, whose agenda is far more dangerous than rising sea levels and a climate gone mad.

The nefarious Wolfen Council doesn't appreciate her disruption of their plan to subjugate humanity, and they mean business, deadly business. Events are boiling over, and in a bold political move with the fate of humanity at stake, Kelvin Waters acts as an envoy and approaches the archenemy of the wolfen, the vampires.

Will the vampires help Serena in her war with the Wolfen Council? Will the sultry Catriona Molyneux finally ensnare Kelvin’s affections or will he fall for the vampire seductress Commander Ling?

This book reads like a wonderful political thriller. It is filled with intrigue and mystery, causing this reader to work hard in order to discern the good guys from the bad guys. This one has it all, werewolves, vampires, and lots and lots of smoking sexual situations between all combinations of characters.

Although certainly hot, this story's plot was occasionally difficult to follow. There were so many twists and turns that it was hard to keep up. As Australia’s first female prime minister, Serena spends a lot of her time, even while engaged in smoking sex with her husband Jack Wolfe, missing the inclusion of their former ménage partner, Kelvin Waters. Kelvin is attempting to stop a coup by the Wolven counsel, by engaging the vampires to help the new government.

If you're more able than I to keep up the the complicated, thriller side of this story, Political Expediency is a wonderfully erotic tale and the sex burns up the pages.

Love, Lust and Deception

Love, Lust and Deception by Samantha Lucas
Publisher: Siren Publishing
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short
Other: M/F
Rating: 4 Cherries
Review by Anthurium

Ashley Williams is the biggest name in Hollywood. Fresh from a recent tragedy, she's also a free woman finally in charge of her own life. The first big decision she makes? Fire her publicist and hire a new one. Who she wants is the dark and mysterious Darius Kiersen, but what Darius ultimately wants goes way beyond PR.

Together they walk through a maze of treachery and deceit where everyone has only their own interests at heart. Ashley and Darius find comfort in each other's bodies and touch one another's souls, but in a world steeped in lust and deception, can they possibly find love?

This is just a great story. Darius, a Hollywood agent, has secretly lusted after starlet, Ashley Williams forever. Then he gets a call from her--she needs a new agent, she is ready to start living her own life, instead of the one she has been told to live, and she wants Darius to help her.

This is a story of personal growth. It has great depth, and really gives the reader a chance to understand that, while a celebrity's life looks great from the outside, appearance is not always reality. It would be easy to dismiss Ashley as a poor little rich girl, but that would be selling her short. She is very strong and she knows what she wants and goes after it. Darius is a great character who provides great support without being smothering.

The two of them have great sexual chemistry. I expected amazing sex, but this book gave me more. It was smoking hot, and easy to get involved in story and just keep wanting more. I highly recommend this story to all.